A California Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to A Co, 2-238th AVN over the Goldwater Range en route to NATO Hill. Photo: Ned Harris

An HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 101st RQS flies at low-level on the Barry M. Goldwater Range. The 101st is a subordinate unit of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, which sent a sizeable contingent of personnel to DMAFB for Angel Thunder 2013. Photo: Ned Harris

Door gunners from the New York Air National Guard’s 101st Rescue Squadron engage simulated urban targets with their .50 caliber machine guns on the Barry M. Goldwater Range during a RESCUE RODEO sortie early on in Angel Thunder 2013. Photo: Ned Harris

Commandos approach the driver of an unknown vehicle during an Irregular Warfare evolution as part of Operation AUDACITY. Photo: Ned Harris

Commandos from the Chilean Air Force’s Unidad Táctica de Fuerzas Especiales, or Tactical Special Forces Unit, stand guard during an operation in Playas, New Mexico. Photo: Dave Shields

An HH-60G Pave Hawk prepares to refuel from an HC-130J Combat King II. The 79th Rescue Squadron provided four of the new HC-130Js for Angel Thunder 2013. Photo: Ned Harris

Ten A-10 Warthogs were provided for the exercise by the Michigan Air National Guard’s 107th Fighter Squadron “Red Devils.” The A-10s operated in the “SANDY” search and rescue role during the exercise. Photo: Joe Copalman

Personnel from the National Park Service Fire Department use the “Jaws of life” to extricate a simulated casualty. Photo: Ned Harris

PJs work together to pull a “wounded” role-player out of the Grand Canyon. Photo: Ned Harris

A C-130H from the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana at the Grand Canyon Airport. Photo: Ned Harris

Overview of the Afghan market at the Playas Training and Research Center. Photo: Joe Copalman

During the scenario, three servicemembers played the role of civilian/diplomatic security personnel who provided security at each incident site while waiting for allied troops to arrive. Photo: Joe Copalman

A simulated IED explodes near a bus in one of four coordinated, simultaneous attacks within a quarter-mile area at the Playas Training and Research Center. Photo: Dave Shields

Marines 2nd Force Recon disembark from an Army CH-47D Chinook. The Recon Marines secured the landing zones to ensure that helicopters bringing additional troops in and to evacuate the wounded could do so safely. Photo: Joe Copalman

A CH-47D Chinook from B Co, 7-158th AVN moments from touching down on a dusty soccer pitch that served as the primary LZ during the exercise. The Chinook carried Force Recon Marines to secure the landing zones and surrounding structures. Photo: Joe Copalman

A Blackhawk from A Co, 2-238th AVN emerges from its own brownout on departure from the Playas Training Center after unloading a squad of Marines from 2nd Force Recon. Photo: Joe Copalman

RSAF Chinook about descending into its own brownout upon landing on the soccer field at Playas. Photo: Joe Copalman

Chilean Air Force Commandos secure the LZ after disembarking from a Singapore Air Force CH-47SD Chinook. Photo: Joe Copalman

A Marine Force Recon adviser points out a rally point to a mixed force of Brazilian and Colombian Air Force Commandos after disembarking from a Republic of Singapore Air Force CH-47SD Chinook. Photo: Joe Copalman

Brazilian commandos arrive at a rally point near the LZ to coordinate with Force Recon Marines and Colombian and Chilean Air Force Commandos on moving toward the four incident sites at Playas. Photo: Joe Copalman

FACh Commandos take the lead in clearing the way from the rally point to the Afghan Market. Photo: Joe Copalman

“¡MEDICO! ¡MEDICO!” FACh commandos search the Afghan market for threats, instead finding large numbers of American military casualties sheltered in the various storefronts and calling for medics to treat the wounded. Photo: Joe Copalman

An F Co, 1-214th AVN HH-60M emerges from its own brownout upon landing. Photo: Joe Copalman

CAT ALPHA. A critically-wounded American is loaded onto an HH-60M for transport to a hospital for surgery. Photo: Joe Copalman

Colombian and Brazilian commandos litter-carry a casualty to a nearby truck for transport to the Casualty Collection Point. Photo: Dave Shields

The Walking Wounded – Force Recon Marines and several of the role players with minor injuries prepare to depart Playas aboard a CH-47D belonging to the “Spartans” of the Army Reserve’s B Co, 7-158th AVN. Photo: Dave Shields

The RAF had a presence at Angel Thunder 2013 as well, which a SERE instructor observing the Playas IW evolution. Photo: Joe Copalman

Role players in the Afghan Market at the PTRC watch as a UH-60 brings in a contingent of high-ranking observers from several foreign militaries. Photo: Joe Copalman

A UH-60 Blackhawk from the Army Reserve’s A co, 2-238th AVN arrives at Playas with a squad of Force Recon Marines. Photo: Joe Copalman

Chinook on the ground at Playas. Photo: Joe Copalman

A CH-47D belonging to the “Spartans” of the Army Reserve’s B Co, 7-158th AVN departs the Playas Training Center after unloading Marines from 2nd Force Recon. Photo: Joe Copalman

Coalition of the willing. Commandos from the Chilean Air Force rush from a Singapore Air Force CH-47SD Chinook helicopter. At far left is an American special operator attached to the commandos. Photo: Joe Copalman

Seven Brazilian commandos run to a rally point as a Singaporean CH-47 Chinook prepares to depart in the background. The Brazilian SOF contingent comprised operators from several different units, including Air Force commandos, Comandos Anfibios, and the 11th Infantry (Mountain) Battalion. Photo: Joe Copalman

A Colombian Air Force commando scans for threats with his M4 Carbine as his squad approaches the Afghan Market, which was the IED blast site with the most casualties. Photo: Joe Copalman

Going Commando. Commandos representing several Brazilian special operations units pause while Chilean Air Force Commandos enter the Afghan Market and clear it of any threats. Photo: Joe Copalman

A Force Recon Marine scans high for threats at the Afghan Market while Chilean Air Force commandos search the market for insurgents. Photo: Joe Copalman

Safety First. Military-age males in the Afghan Market are secured while Chilean Air Force commandos sort out the situation on the ground. These men were shortly identified by wounded Americans as locals who offered aid to them following the blast and were released. Photo: Joe Copalman

Brazilian (R) and Colombian (L) special operators secure a street corner across from the Afghan Market. Photo: Joe Copalman

Chilean Air Force commandos continue to search the Market for any signs of insurgents. Photo: Joe Copalman

Brazilian and Colombian commandos transport a casualty to a truck for movement to the CCP. Photo: Joe Copalman

A UTAFE commando stands guard across from the Afghan market as Colombian pararescue personnel treat the wounded. Photo: Joe Copalman

The first of two HH-60Ms from F Company, 1-214th Aviation Battalion flaring for landing at the Playas Training and Research Center. Photo: Joe Copalman

DUSTOFF! HH-60M whipping up a brown-out upon landing at Playas. Photo: Joe Copalman

One of two brand-new HH-60Ms from F Co, 1-214th AVN that participated in Angel Thunder 2013. The HH-60M is an H-60 variant of the Black Hawk built specifically for medevac/"dustoff" operations. Photo: Joe Copalman

A CH-47D belonging to the “Spartans” of the Army Reserve’s B Co, 7-158th AVN departs the soccer field at Playas, hauling a load of commandos and "wounded" role players back to Davis-Monthan AFB.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk from the New York Air National Guard departs NATO Hill after clearing a jammed gun. Photo: Ned Harris

The crew chief from an HH-60G Pave Hawk from the New York Air National Guard's 101st Rescue Squadron performs maintenance on a jammed GAU-21 .50-caliber machine gun at NATO Hill on the Barry M. Goldwater Range during a RESCUE RODEO sortie. Photo: Ned Harris

Brazilian commando at the Grand Canyon as an observer. Photo: Ned Harris

Observers and their SERE escorts atop an observation tower at the Playas Training and Research Center. Photo: Dave Shields

6 - A HARM equipped US Air Force F-16CM, from Shaw Air Force Base, turning final for landing at Nellis Air Force Base, as part of Red Flag 13-3 - photo by Ned Harris

7 - Photographed in August of 2009, this EC-130H displays its recently added SPEAR pods (one mounted under each wing) while on approach to land at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona - photo by Ned Harris

8 - An EA-18G Growler, seen her shortly after takeoff from Nellis Air Force Base, heads out on a mission during Red Flag 13-3 - photo by Ned Harris

9 - Another VMAQ-2 EA-6B Prowler taking part in Red Flag 13-3 returns to Nellis at the end of a mission - photo by Ned Harris

10 - A pair of EA-18G Growlers returning to Nellis Air Force Base after taking part in a Red Flag 13-3 training mission - photo by Ned Harris

11 - A HARM equipped F-16CM, from the 79th Fighter Squadron, based at Shaw Air Force Base, departs on a mission during the Red Flag exercise - photo by Ned Harris

During a couple of recent visits to Naval Air Station North Island and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Three (HSC-3) I observed as maintenance and flight crews prepared their Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawks for their next mission. And, on my second visit, I was also able to see the flight training firsthand at Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach. I was able to watch HSC-3 pilots put their MH-60S Knighthawks through all sorts of maneuvers including auto-rotation and hovering. It was impressive to see both HSC-3 and the MH-60S Knighthawk in action!

On both of my visits I was able to talk with one of the squadron’s Fleet Replacement Pilots to learn about the mission of HSC-3 and to learn about the MH-60S Knighthawk. The Naval Aviator that showed me around and answered my questions has asked that I not release his name, but I still wanted to thank him for all the time and help he has given me. I truly appreciate the friendship we have formed over the past few months.

What capabilities does the Knighthawk bring to the fleet that previous H-60 variants (and legacy helicopters like the H-46 and H-3) did not?
The Knighthawk was designed to replace the SH-60F/H variants. The Fox variant in particular doubles as a cargo and not-very-capable sub hunting platform. The Knighthawk has zero anti-submarine gear on board. It is strictly designed to move up to 13 people or 5000+ lbs of cargo, and to carry weapons when required. It is designed to work closely with the new MH60-R model, which is the most capable sub hunting air platform in the Navy. Together, the two new models make up the Hunter-Killer team that is the Navy’s “Super Hawk” program.

The H-3 could do both these roles, but it is much more underpowered than the new H-60’s. The H-46’s are still used by the Marines, but as for the Navy, they are massive with 2 main rotors and take up a great deal of room on-board a ship, limiting their ability to land on any kind of single spot ship. The H-46 is also very maintenance intensive and is always leaking something. The Knighthawk solves most all of these problems and provides a massive upgrade in engine technology and reliability and a beautiful avionics system.

Do Knighthawks deploy aboard ships as well as shore-based squadrons or detachments?
Yes, Knighthawks deploy aboard both ships and shore based detachments. We normally deploy with larger aviation ships like carriers or amphibious assault ships, but we also work with supply ships and hospital ships. We have several shored based expeditionary detachments around the world as well. In fact, my upcoming deployment will take me to Kuwait to fly in the Naval Air Ambulance Detachment in support of MEDEVAC missions for contractors and personnel still on the ground in Iraq. Normally, Knighthawks do not deploy aboard cruisers, destroyers, or other single spot ships, the MH-60R model and older SH-60B’s continue to support those ships. We do also have the privilege to work with the SEAL community in the Knighthawk and provide them with transportation and air support.

What is the primary training curriculum of HSC-3 and how have real-world missions influenced it?
Briefly, HSC-3’s syllabus includes basic familiarization with the helicopter in various conditions along with a basic introduction to some of its missions. These include night flying on goggles, mountain/low-level flying, formation flying, instrument flying, ship deck qualifications, external cargo exposure, and strike/Hellfire missile training. The first half of the syllabus focuses on learning the aircraft while the second half focuses on learning to employ it in various missions. The whole syllabus takes approximately 8-10 months for newly winged Aviators, or much less for returning Aviators who have been out of the cockpit or type of model. With this broad spectrum of knowledge and missions, we can then train to higher qualification levels upon reaching our final fleet squadrons to meet specific real world needs and threats.

What are the advantages of training in southern California; do the mountains, deserts, and open-ocean of the region help to better prepare aircrews than other areas of the country?
I would like to think we get much better training here than our Norfolk-based brethren! We are fortunate to have mountains, ocean, and desert here, so there is much more ability for exposure to different environmental types than there is for our sister fleet replacement squadron on the east coast (HSC-2). Therefore it is possible for us to practice basic mountain flying and low level flight in canyons and valleys, while they may not see this for quite a while. We also can experience “brownout” landings in the desert much sooner than they.

Simply flying in such busy airspace with the commercial and general aviation traffic, near Marine air bases, and the proximity of the Mexico border makes for a trial by fire experience. Coordinating with SOCAL Approach or other facilities in the area can be difficult, but a great learning experience. Overall, it really is amazing training and a welcome change from Florida or the east coast.

Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk
Taxiing out for a training mission.

Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk
Training at NOLF Imperial Beach.

My visits weren’t just to take photos and learn about HSC-3, it was also to learn about Naval Aviation through the eyes and experiences of a Naval Aviator:

What has being a US Naval Aviator taught you?
I’ve learned a lot about being a part of a team/family of fellow brothers and sisters that I have the privilege to fly with. As we all go through flight training, it is not something that you accomplish without a great deal of help. I have been very fortunate to have received plenty of help from peers further along in the pipeline, outstanding instructors who volunteer their own free time, and encouragement from former Aviators in the local community. Flying, especially helicopters, really enforces the beauty and necessity of working together to accomplish a goal or mission, and I love being a part of that.

Additionally, outside of work, the bond and camaraderie that we share as fellow Aviators is rivaled by few other professions. We get to work hard together during the weeks and kick back and play hard on the weekends. It has been great to get to spend time with so many fun people outside of work, in some amazing places like Florida and California.

What has being a Merlin taught you?
Being a Merlin has taught me more about how to employ my aircraft for a greater cause. Be it Search and Rescue, External Cargo Operations, Logistics, Anti-Surface Warfare, or Strike operations, one begins to realize that all the training and skills we have developed as pilots over the past several years start to develop into second nature as we use these massive and capable aircraft as instruments to accomplish numerous missions in support of others.

What is your favorite memory of flying Knighthawks?
One of the best memories I had was in my very first flight in the MH-60S last fall; I had been used to flying much smaller and very underpowered TH-57’s (basically a Bell 206 Jet Ranger) – I distinctly remember loving the feeling of pulling in collective for the very first time in a massive 18,000 lbs/65 ft long helicopter and could not believe the sheer amount of power it could produce as I shot up over the San Diego Bay in a 2500 fpm climb!

That amount of extra power later manifested itself to doing night time VERTREP training down at NOLF IB, and I remember standing underneath the Sierra for the first time hooking up an external cargo load to it as my buddy flew a side-flaring “quick stop” to 10 feet over my head and it felt as though a 150 mph hurricane force wind was about to blow me across the concrete practice pad.

And, as a Naval Aviator I will always remember the first time I landed on a boat, for me an amphibious assault ship 50 miles of the California coast. You suddenly realize then that all the training and precision that goes in to instructing you to get this level has paid off, and it is an amazing feeling to be operating off the deck of a ship in the middle of nowhere.

What other helicopters have you flown, and how is the Knighthawk similar or different to them?
The only other helicopter I have flown is the TH-57B/C variants (aka Bell 206). However, we are trained in Cessna 172’s and T-34C’s prior to selecting helicopters, so I am qualified to fly both fixed and rotary wing. The Knighthawk is so different in its size, power, dual engines, mission capabilities, and just the way it flies. There are a lot more computers on-board and the Advanced Flight Control System provides much more stability and ease of control in a hover than most other helicopters out there. One big difference is the massive glare-shield can be quite difficult to get used to looking over and around – especially when flying on night vision goggles.

A special thanks to the men and women of HSC-3, NAS North Island, NOLF Imperial Beach, and the United States Navy.